Post Tenebras Lux

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Cassiopeia found it extremely odd that after her missing the train the previous year because her parents had been too busy, that now both her mother and father and also Narcissa accompanied her to the train station. The two sisters walked ahead, quietly talking so their parents were unable to hear. Cassiopeia constantly glanced over at her sister sadly as she realised they would never be like this again. It almost made her want to stay. Almost.

"Have a good year, Cassiopeia," Her mother told her with a small smile. 

Her father nodded towards her as he said, "Remember who you are, bring pride to our family."

Narcissa tried to hold back her tears as she pulled Cassiopeia into a tight hug, "I love you, Cassie."

"I love you too, Cissy."

As the two stepped back from each other, their parents stared at them, "What is wrong with you both?"

Narcissa continued to stare at her younger sister, as though she was trying to remember everything about her, "This is the last time we will have lived together as next summer I will be marrying Lucius."

Their mother looked confused as she inquired, "But you two will be living together over Christmas?" 

"I plan on staying at Hogwarts for Christmas," Cassiopeia informed them, "I want to join Slughorn's club as he may prove useful in the future so I must remain there for his Christmas party."

Both her parents seemed pleased with her answer, "Oh, well done, Cassiopeia. We are both so happy that you have so much ambition."

As the train pulled out of the station, Cassiopeia remained stood at the train door, her eyes glued to her sister and parents. She stared at them until they were out of sight and then she leant against the wall, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. She wished she didn't have to lose her sister but it was the only way she could escape. 

After a few minutes, Cassiopeia walked down the train to find the compartment with her friends in. Modesty and Bertie were sat awkwardly as Rabastan was there too, no doubt waiting for her to arrive. She smiled at the first two as she sat down beside the window, opposite Rabastan. 

No matter how many times the three tried to bring her into their conversations, Cassiopeia remained silent. She stared out of the window, her thoughts entirely on Narcissa and how they were going to become strangers after the following summer. She thought about how cruel the world was as by seeking safety, she was going to have to leave her sister behind.